Modular golf training system

ABSTRACT

A modular training device for improving a golf swing, the training device having features to enable use of the device with any type of golf club and in any outdoor or indoor setting.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/430,487 (Attorney Docket Number: 17307.2) titled “MODULAR GOLF TRAINING SYSTEM” filed Jan. 6, 2011, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a modular system for developing a user's golf swing.

In particular, the present invention relates to system and methods for training and developing the golf swing of an adult user and a junior user. The present invention further relates to a modular training system compatible for use with all types of golf clubs.

2. Background And Related Art

One of the most challenging and technical aspects of golf is the golf swing. An effective golf swing requires that the golfer swing the golf club in a correct plane angle throughout the golf swing. The correct plane angle is generally determined by the angle at which the head of the golf club lays on the ground when addressing the golf ball (i.e., the addressing angle). To swing the golf club in the correct plane angle, the golfer must maintain the addressing angle of the golf club throughout the golf swing. When this occurs, the golf club moves along the correct plane angle thereby achieving a solid and consistent golf shot.

One of the challenges for developing an effective golf swing is to consistently maintain the correct plane angle of the golf club when practicing. Overcoming this challenge requires that the golfer not only understand what the correct plane angle is, but also be able to determine if the golfer's swing is being properly maintained within the correct plane angle. Professional golf instructors commonly use a combination of physical training, mental visualization, classroom sessions, club fitting, driving range instruction, on-course play under real conditions, and review of videotaped swings in slow motion to teach correct golf swing mechanics and technique. However, a golfer must ultimately rely on the proper feel, or muscle memory, to keep his or her swing on plane. Still, even with a sound understanding of the concept, it is difficult for a golfer to work on his or her swing plane without the assistance of an instructor or a training device.

Thus, while training devices and techniques currently exist, challenges still exist. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular system for developing a user's golf swing. In particular, the present invention relates to system and methods for training and developing the golf swing of an adult user and a junior user. The present invention further relates to a modular training system compatible for use with all types of golf clubs.

Implementations of the present invention provide a modular golf swing training device that is customizable by the golfer for use with any type, make, model, or design of golf club desired by the golfer. In some implementations, a modular golf swing training device is provided that is customizable by the golfer to accommodate use of the device by whether an adult golfer or a junior golfer.

In some implementations of the present invention, a modular golf swing training device is provided having a base stand for indoor use of the device. Further, in some implementations a golf swing training device is provided for use in a doorway or a wall opening.

While the methods and processes of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of developing muscle memory relating to a golf swing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods and processes of the present invention can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different sporting activities where controlled development of muscle memory is desired. For example, the methods and processes of the present invention may be used to develop muscle memory relating to a proper tennis swing or to develop a user's proper mechanics of swinging a baseball bat.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular golf training system in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular golf training system configured for junior use in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 3 is a modular golf training system and extension/driver adaptor in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4; is a perspective view of a modular golf training system coupled to a base stand in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a modular golf training system configured for indoor use within a doorway in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular training system configured for indoor use incorporating a wall mount bracket in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular system for developing a user's golf swing. In particular, the present invention relates to system and methods for training and developing the golf swing of an adult user and a junior user. The present invention further relates to a modular training system compatible for use with all types of golf clubs.

Many training devices have been developed over the years to help golfers perfect the plane angle of their golf swing and develop the desired muscle memory. Some types of devices have been developed employing a rotating swing arm, typically a rod, which constrains and guides the motion of a real or simulated golf club. In general, these devices limit or guide the movement of the golfer's swing to assist the golfer in developing muscle memory with respect to maintaining the correct plane angle throughout the golfer's swing. However, many of these devices are bulky or cumbersome thereby limiting portability of the device and requiring excessive spatial clearance to practice with the device. Further, some of these devices are quite complex and expensive thereby precluding golfers from purchasing the devices. Still further, some of these devices are limited in their ability to be used with any type, make, or design of golf club, thereby requiring the golfer to utilize the device with an unfamiliar golf club, or precluding the golfer from using the device with any desired golf club.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a modular golf training system 10 is shown. In general, modular golf training system 10 comprises a 360° swivel component 20 that is coupled to a golf club 100 via a club adaptor 30. In some embodiments, training system 10 further comprises a base member 40 whereby swivel component 20 is supported at a desired height above the ground or practice surface 110.

In some embodiments, swivel component 20 comprises a hinge 22 having a first leaf rotatably coupled to a joint 24, and a second leaf pivotally coupled to the first leaf via a pin 26. Joint 24 permits first leaf to rotate 112 360° in a plane approximately parallel to the ground 110. Additionally, pin 26 permits the second leaf to pivot 114 in a plane perpendicular to the ground 110. Accordingly, the combined rotation 112 and pivoting 114 motions of swivel component 20 allow for free motion of club adaptor 30.

In some embodiments, club adaptor 30 comprises a rigid shaft 32 having a first end coupled to a shaft length compensator 34 and a second end coupled to a golf club adaptor 36. The shaft length compensator 34 is further coupled to the second leaf of the swivel component 20. Thus, the club adaptor 30 provides a rigid link between the golf club 100 and the swivel component 20.

In general, rigid shaft 32 maintains a constant distance between golf club 100 and swivel component 20. However, shaft length compensator 34 provides for minimal lateral movement 116 of golf club 100 to compensate for natural body mechanics during the golfer's club swing. In some embodiments, lateral movement 116 is limited to prevent golf club 100 from falling inside or outside of the desired plane angle during the golf swing.

Golf club adaptor 36 is rotatably coupled to rigid shaft 32 whereby to permit rotation 118 of adaptor 36 relative to shaft 32. Golf club 100 is further rotatably secured within adaptor 36 whereby to permit rotation 120 of golf club 100 relative to adaptor 36. Accordingly, the combined rotations 118 and 120 permitted by golf club adaptor 36 allow for free motion of golf club 100 relative to club adaptor 30.

In some embodiments, base member 40 comprises a rigid tubular body 42 having a first end secured to the ground surface 110 and a second end rotatably coupled to the first leaf of swivel component 20. In some embodiments tubular body 42 further comprise a lumen into which is inserted a second rigid tubular body 44 which is rotatably coupled to the first leaf of swivel component 20. The second tubular body 44 is adjustably telescoped within rigid tubular body 42 such that the position of tubular body 44 may be adjusted inwardly or outwardly 122 relative to tubular body 42. Accordingly, a golfer may adjust the height of swivel component 20 by adjusting the position of tubular body 44. The desired height of swivel component 20 may be maintained via a clamping mechanism between tubular body 42 and tubular body 44. For example, in some embodiments a clamping collar 46 is tightened to hold a desired position of tubular body 44 relative to tubular body 42. In other embodiments an internal clamp between tubular body 44 and tubular body 42 is activated by rotating tubular body 44 within tubular body 42, once a desired height of swivel component 20 is achieved.

In some embodiments, base member 40 comprises a plurality of guylines 50 which are secured to the ground 110 via a plurality of fasteners 52, such as a tent stake, a screw picket, or other compatible fastening device. Guylines 50 may include at least one of a wire, a rope, a nylon strap, nylon webbing or another type of static line. In some embodiments, three guylines 50 are coupled to base member 40 and spaced at approximately 120° from each adjacent guyline. In this manner, the base member 40 is secured and maintained in a generally upright position approximately perpendicular to the ground surface 110. In some embodiments, base member 40 further comprises a ground stake 52 that is partially inserted into tubular body 42, and partially inserted into ground 110. In some embodiments, ground stake 52 is threadedly coupled to tubular body 42. Ground stake 52 is inserted into ground 110 to prevent movement of tubular body 42 relative to ground surface 110. Thus, the combination of guylines 50 and ground stake 52 achieve a desired upright position of the modular training device 10.

In some embodiments, base member 40 further comprises a velocity speed sensor 60. The speed sensor 60 is positioned at an approximate height of golf club head through the golf swing. The speed sensor 60 detects and reports the speed of the club head during the swing. In some embodiments, the speed sensor 60 further comprises a digital display whereby the speed of the club head is displayed to the golfer. In other embodiments, the speed sensor 60 further comprises an audible output whereby the speed of the club head is audibly announced to the golfer following the golf swing. In some embodiments, the speed sensor 60 is coupled to base member 40 via a strap or retention band 62.

In some embodiments the speed sensor 60 approximates a distance of the golf ball based on the determined speed of the golf swing. For example, in some embodiments a golfer sets the speed sensor 60 to measure speed and distance of a specific type of golf club being used by the golfer. Accordingly, the speed sensor 60 is capable of providing a calculated distance of the golf ball based on the type of golf club being used and the actual speed of the golf swing. This feature allows the golfer to develop experience relating to how the speed of the golf swing affects the distance of the golf ball.

In some embodiments, base member 40 further comprises a detachable section 48. When detachable section 48 is removed from tubular body 42, the length of tubular body 42 is shortened to accommodate junior golfers, as shown in FIG. 2. Tubular body 44 remains adjustable within tubular body 42 thereby enabling height adjustment 122 of the device 10, as described above.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments training device 10 further comprises a driver adaptor 38. Driver adaptor 38 is interposedly positioned between shaft length compensator 34 and shaft 32 to extend the overall length of club adaptor 30. In some embodiments, driver adapter 38 comprises a rigid shaft having a first end that is rigidly coupled to the second leaf of the swivel component 20, and a second end that is rigidly coupled to the shaft length compensator. Once installed, the driver adaptor provides the necessary length extension of the club adapter 30 to permit use of the training device 10 with a driver golf club 101. Thus, when a golfer desires to use the device 10 with a driver golf club 101, the golfer detaches the shaft length compensator 34 from the swivel component 20 and attaches the driver adaptor 38 to the shaft length compensator 34 and the swivel component 20. Following use of the driver golf club 101, the driver adaptor 38 is removed from the device 10 to restore the previous configuration of the device 10.

In some embodiments, training device 10 further comprises features for accommodating indoor use of the device 10. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, in some embodiments training device 10 further comprises a sleeve base 70. Sleeve base 70 comprises a platform 72 having a top surface for supporting a retention sleeve 74. Retention sleeve 74 is configured to compatibly receive base member 40 thereby obviating guylines 50 or other means of supporting the desired upright position of base member 40. In some embodiments, sleeve 74 further comprises an adaptor slot 78 to permit use of sleeve base 70 with ground stake 52. In other embodiments, ground stake 52 is removed from base member 40 prior to inserting base member 40 within retention sleeve 74. Sleeve base 70 may further include a set screw 80 whereby to secure and retain base member 40 with retention sleeve 74.

In some embodiments, sleeve base 70 further comprises mounting holes 82 whereby to fasten sleeve base 70 to an indoor surface, such as a subfloor. In some embodiments, a fastener 84 is inserted through mounting holes 82 and into an indoor surface. In some embodiments sleeve base 70 is secured to an outdoor surface. For example, sleeve base 70 may be secured to an artificial surface, such as a patio surface, or may be secured to a natural surface, such as a lawn surface. In some embodiments, sleeve base 70 is permanently secured to a desired surface. In other embodiments, sleeve base 70 is secured to a desired surface with an alternative fastener, such as an adhesive, an epoxy, a hook and loop fastener, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, retention sleeve 74 is removed from sleeve base 70 and independently inserted into a desired indoor or outdoor surface. In some embodiments, retention sleeve 74 is substantially buried in a desired surface, wherein retention sleeve 74 forms a subterranean hole into which base member 40 is inserted when a golfer desires to use the training device 10. Further, in some embodiments a retention sleeve 74 and/or sleeve base 70 are permanently secured in a desired surface whereby a golfer may access the permanent fixture to set up their personal training device 10. In other embodiments, a golfer may set up a rented or borrowed training device 10 at a convenience practice venue, such as a driving range of a golf course.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments a doorway adaptor 90 is provided, whereby to enable temporary indoor use of the training device 10. Doorway adaptor 90 comprises an adjustable crossbar 92 that is adjustable by the user to secure the crossbar 92 and adaptor 90 within a doorway 130 having a determined width. The height 132 of the device 10 is set by adjusting the placement of the crossbar 92 within the doorway 130. Thus, training device 10 and doorway adaptor 90 may be adjusted for use by both adult and junior golfers, as desired. Training device 10 may further be used with a driver golf club through use of a driver adaptor 38 (not shown) in accordance with the teachings above.

Doorway adaptor 90 further comprises a swivel component 21 coupled to crossbar 92. In some embodiments, the position of swivel component 21 is fixed thereby limiting adjustability of the swivel component 21 position. In other embodiments, the golfer may adjust the position of swivel component 21 along crossbar 92 to accommodate for adjacent walls, structures, furniture, and the like which may interfere with the golfers use of the device 10. Following use of the device 10, the golfer may either remove the doorway adaptor 90 or simply remove the shaft 32 and shaft length compensator 34 while maintaining the installed position of the crossbar 92.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in some embodiments a wall bracket 130 is provided, whereby to enable temporary indoor use of the training device 10. Wall bracket 130 comprises a base plate 132 having a plurality of mounting holes 134 for securing the bracket 130 to the wall surface 140 via a plurality of fastener 136. For example, in some embodiments wall bracket 130 is secured to wall surface 140 with a plurality of screws 136. Wall bracket 130 is further attached to wall surface 140 at a desired height 142 that enables the golfer to use the training device 10. For example, in some embodiments height 142 is approximately equal to the eye-level of the golfer.

In some embodiments, base plate 132 further comprises an upper retainer 150 and a lower retainer 152 whereby to position and selectively retain rotating pin 160. In some embodiments, upper and lower retainers 150 and 152 are secured to base plate 132 and extend outwardly from base plate 132 in a perpendicular fashion. Further, in some embodiments upper and lower retainers 150 and 152 comprise apertures 154 and 156. Apertures 154 and 156 accommodate insertion of rotating pin 160. In some embodiments, a clip 162 is threaded through an upper hole 166 of rotating pin 160 to prevent unintended removal of rotating pin 160 from upper retainer 150. Further, in some embodiments a clip 164 is threaded through a lower hole (not shown) of rotating pin 160 to prevent unintended removal of rotating pin 160 from lower retainer 152. However, use of retainers 150 and 152 with clips 162 and 164 still permit full rotation of rotating pin 160 while preventing displacement of rotating pin 160 from wall bracket 130.

In some embodiments, rotating pin 160 further includes a flange 170 whereby to attach the shaft length compensator 34 of the training device 10. In some embodiments, a hinge 22 is formed between flange 170 and compensator 34 by means of a coupling pin 172 and a retaining pin 174 threadedly inserted through a hole in pin 174. Coupling pin 172 is threaded through a portion of shaft length compensator 34 and flange 170 to form hinge 22 thereby accomplishing the necessary pivoting of compensator 34 relative to wall bracket 130. Further, the combination of pivoting due to hinge 22, and rotation due to rotating pin 160 provide the necessary motion to use the training device 10 in an indoor setting.

Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present invention embrace technologies and methods for improving a golfer's swing in a variety of settings. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A modular training system for improving a golf swing, the system comprising: a base member having a first end secured to a practice surface and a second end secured to a swivel component; a rigid shaft having a first end rotatably coupled to a golf club, and a second end rotatably coupled to the swivel component; a driver adaptor selectively inserted between the swivel component and the second end of the rigid shaft; a sleeve base having a platform coupled to a retention sleeve, the retention sleeve having an opening for selectively receiving a portion of the first end of the base member; and a doorway adaptor having a crossbar for selectively securing the doorway adaptor within a doorway, the doorway adaptor further having a swivel component for selectively receiving the second end of the rigid shaft. 